25/07/2026
Saints Joachim and Anne: 26th July
Saints Joachim and Anne are honored in the Catholic Church as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ. Although their names do not appear in the Bible, they have been preserved through ancient Christian tradition, particularly in the Protoevangelium of James, a second-century Christian writing. While this work is not part of Sacred Scripture, it has greatly influenced the Church’s devotion to Mary’s parents.
According to tradition, Joachim was a devout and righteous man, and Anne was a holy and faithful woman. They were married for many years but remained childless, a condition that was often regarded as a source of sorrow and social disgrace in Jewish society at the time. Despite their suffering, they remained steadfast in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence.
After Joachim withdrew into the wilderness to pray and fast, an angel appeared separately to both Joachim and Anne, announcing that God had heard their prayers. They would be blessed with a daughter, Mary, who was chosen by God for a unique mission in the history of salvation. In gratitude, Joachim and Anne dedicated Mary entirely to God’s service.
According to tradition, when Mary was about three years old, her parents presented her at the Temple in Jerusalem, where she was raised in holiness and prepared for her vocation as the Mother of the Messiah.
The Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne on 26 July. They are revered as the patron saints of grandparents, parents, married couples, and families. Their lives remain a powerful witness to patient faith, perseverance in prayer, and complete trust in God’s promises. Their example continues to inspire Christian families to nurture faith in the home, recognizing that God often accomplishes His greatest works through ordinary family life.